Riding a bike can be exhilarating, but it also carries with it some challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating road junctions. Roundabouts, according to the figures, are one of the most dangerous types of road junction for bikers. Often motorbike accident claims involving a roundabout and another vehicle will end with the biker coming off worse.
If you have been involved in an accident at a roundabout in the past, or you feel you could do with some help when navigating roundabouts, then there are some steps you can take to make your riding experience safer. Here at Motorbike Accident Law we’ve been trawling the internet for safe biking advice from some of the leading road safety websites. Using their tips we’ve put together a guide of our own:
The MAL Roundabout Safety Guide
- When planning your route around the roundabout, try to keep the time you are leaning over on your bike as short as possible. Straighter routes mean you have to spend less time on the roundabout and allow you to take the shortest route from your entry point to your chosen exit. However it is important to take into consideration the traffic levels, as heavy traffic might mean you have to take a more circuitous route.
- On your approach to the roundabout, position your bike based on the exit you intend to take. So if you are going to take an exit to the right hand side of the roundabout, you should move near to the centre of the road as you approach the roundabout. Similarly, if you are taking a left hand exit, keep to the left hand side of the road as you approach.
- It is important to stay aware of what other motorists, including other bikers, may do at the roundabout. Be aware of other drivers’ blind spots and check your own and never assume that just because their vehicle is indicating, that they will move in the direction.
- Judge your speed and try to time your route round the roundbout so that you don’t make yourself and your bike into an obstacle for other motorists. Often approaching at a moderate speed will mean a smoother journey around the roundabout compared to racing up to the junction only to find yourself held up by other slow moving vehicles.
Our motorbike accident lawyers provide free legal advice and assistance to the victims of non-fault motorbike accidents at roundabouts and elsewhere. If you have been involved in an accident at a roundabout and you have been injured through no fault of your own then you might be eligible to claim motorbike accident compensation. Use the form on our website to see if you can claim.
